Tag Archives: International Travel

Top 10 Favorite Places in New Zealand’s South Island

Posted on by
14

Top 10 New Zealand’s South Island

Want to know the best places to spend your time when in New Zealand’s South Island?

Lochmara pole carvingsAfter completing a trip of a lifetime, we are excited to share our favorites. Four and a half weeks in New Zealand’s South Island, and we can show you mountaintops, snow, beaches, oceans, wineries, seafood, varied history and culture.

This is the first article in a series on the top places to visit in New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific South Seas. Since there is so much to share, this first article will give an overview of our top 10 favorite places in New Zealand’s South Island. It will be followed by more in-depth information and photos about each of the top places we recommend and others, as well as those to avoid that are over-hyped. Continue reading →

A Colorful Journey Through Morocco

Posted on by
1

Morocco – A Colorful Journey

Tile facade of Morocco buildingHave you ever wanted to immerse yourself in a non-western culture, something totally different, exotic, and colorful?  My friend Gail wanted to celebrate her birthday by experiencing a totally different environment from her norm.  After 2 months of research on Morocco, and with the help of hotel owner from Skoura named L’ma, Gail planned their own private experience.  Her own trip was less expensive than standard packages and just as nice.

This article takes you through the colorful two week tour that she and husband Mitch experienced, and what they loved about Morocco.

Morocco Travel – What was different? Continue reading →

Canadian Bus Trip Vacation – Value & Experience

Posted on by
8

Canadian Bus Trip Starr ToursIn deciding what to do for summer vacation last year, friends Mark, Karen and their daughter, decided on a Canadian Bus Trip where they could relax, and let Starr, a local bus tour company, do the planning and driving. This post is a result of an interview with them that discusses the 6-day trip, and its pros and cons.

Selecting the Canadian Bus Trip – Quebec City and Montreal

MOverlook of Montreal from Mount Royalark’s friend had recently used Starr, and Mark liked the idea of having someone else do the driving (sounds good to me!).  Mark hadn’t been to Montreal and Quebec City so it sounded like a good choice. The Canadian Bus Trip description sounded inviting – “Explore the rich culture and Continue reading →

Valley of the Volcanoes – Ecuador’s Quilotoa Loop Adventure

Posted on by
3

A top spot on my Bucket List was Valley of the Volcanoes – Ecuador’s Quilotoa Loop. The draw was the many colorful indigenous populations and their markets, the perfect turquoise blue Quilotoa Lake, the art of the Tigua people, and the surrounding snow-capped Andean volcanoes.  Get the picture?  Here are a few.

The Quilotoa Loop

In the Valley of the Volcanoes – Ecuador’s Quilotoa Loop is a route around the lake’s remote back country towns off of the Pan-american Highway and Continue reading →

Things to Do in Downtown Nashville and Neighborhoods – Top 10

Posted on by
7

Visit Nashville – Have you ever been?

Nashville was never high on my list since I am not a country music fan and there are definitely many things to do in downtown Nashville and neighborhoods. I enjoyed it and learned a lot about music history. It was interesting and fun to visit Nashville, and it’s not just country music. It’s blues, gospel, christian music, rock and roll, soul, bluegrass, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, rock, classical and more.  The city has great:

  • Architecture
  • Art collections
  • Beautiful parks
  • Lovely waterways
  • Music

I recommend a visit to Nashville and Continue reading →

Ecuador’s Andean Highlands Part 2 – Cotacachi, Papallacta, Atahualpa

Posted on by
5

Ecuador’s Andean Highlands – Part 2 – Cotacachi, Papallacta, Atahualpa

Not only do Cotacachi, Papallacta, Atahualpa offer exquisite views, local culture, and outdoor activities – both up close and at a distance – but there are also a series of micro climates that enable different types of farming at different altitudes. The micro climates enable production of everything from roses to Continue reading →

Ecuador’s Andean Highlands – Part 1 – Otavalo, Ibarra

Posted on by
8

Ecuador’s Andean Highlands – Part 1

In Ecuador’s Andean Highlands, you are surrounded by a patchwork of green beauty all the way up the mountainsides. Ecuador’s Andean Highlands are located between the western and coastal lowlands and the eastern Amazonian jungle. They offer diverse nature including volcanoes – live and extinct, hot springs and thermal baths, and unique flora and fauna.

We made several different trips to Ecuador’s Andean Highlands, either day trips from Quito or 3-day weekends. It’s so easy to get to these areas. Buses are plentiful and cheap. Here is an overview of Continue reading →

Choosing Galapagos Land Accommodations

Posted on by
2
Courtyard at Galapagos Suites

Courtyard at Galapagos Suites

Where to Stay 

Before choosing Galapagos Land Accommodations, select the islands where you want to stay. If taking a land-only trip, I recommend splitting your time between Santa Cruz, staying in Ayora, and Isabela. Then you must decide if you want a 5-star hotel with all of the amenities, a hostel, or something in between.  Another big consideration is Continue reading →